The European Union has called on the Government of Pakistan to take stronger action to ensure the protection of the rights of women, the physical security of all its citizens and to bring to justice those responsible for acts of violence against others.
In a statement on Monday, the EU said it is deeply concerned by the wide-spread violence perpetrated against women in Pakistan. "The recent tragic death of Farzana Parveen, killed by her family in front of the High Court in Lahore, is a stark reminder of the barbarity of honour killings and raised outrage across Pakistan," it states.
EU also called on Pakistan to seek to end a culture of impunity and ensure that laws reflecting international legal obligations concerning the rights of all individuals, regardless of their gender, religion or social status are fully implemented.
The EU urged Pakistan to foster gender equality and the empowerment of women, laying the foundations for equality of treatment and opportunity for women and men, including access to education and extended participation by all its citizens.
